Stand Up Stella helps children understand the importance of standing up against bullying and treating others with kindness and respect. Kids explore safe ways to speak up, support someone being mistreated, and seek help from trusted adults.
POSITIVE SELF-TALK
“I STAND up for others and myself.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Stand Up Stella
Introduce Stand Up Stella and explore what it means to stand up for yourself and others.
Help children understand that everyone deserves to feel safe, included, and respected. Stella reminds us that we can use our words, make thoughtful choices, and ask trusted adults for help when someone is being unkind.
Standing up for yourself doesn't mean being mean in return. It means responding with courage, kindness, and confidence.
2. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Stella's positive self-talk phrase together:
“I STAND up for others and myself.”
First, say it out loud. Then practice saying it silently in your mind.
Encourage children to use these words as a reminder that their voices matter and that they can help make their homes, classrooms, and communities kinder places.
3. Share the Skill Sign
Print and display Stand Up Stella's Behavior Guide where children will see it often.
Explore Stella's four steps for handling unkind behavior:
1. Say “Stop”
In a kind but firm voice, tell the other person to stop the unkind behavior.
2. Give a Warning
If the behavior continues, say, “If you don't stop, I'm going to report you to a teacher or adult.”
3. Report
If the unkind behavior continues, tell a teacher or trusted adult what is happening.
4. Continue Reporting
If the problem isn't resolved, keep asking for help. Speak with a school counselor, principal, assistant principal, or another trusted adult until someone helps address the situation.
Remind children that if they feel unsafe, are threatened, or witness serious bullying, they should seek adult help immediately rather than trying these steps on their own.
4. Breathe and Stretch
Take a few minutes to breathe and move together.
Use the stretches from the Breathe and Stretch book or follow Stand Up Stella's movement video.
Encourage children to notice how their bodies and minds feel before and after moving.
Talk about how pausing and taking a calming breath can help us speak clearly and confidently during difficult situations.
5. Read the Story
Bring Stand Up Stella to life! Read her story from the Powerful You book with expression and enthusiasm.
Invite children to notice what Stella learns about standing up for herself, helping others, and seeking support when someone is being unkind.
6. Reflect and Connect
Use Stella's Reflect & Shine questions from the Powerful You book to encourage meaningful conversations.
Invite children to think about a time they saw someone being treated unkindly. What could they say or do to help?
Talk about the difference between standing up for someone and responding with more unkindness.
Remind children that asking an adult for help is a strong and responsible choice.
7. Explore Optional Activities
Choose an activity from the Powerful You book to reinforce Stella's lesson.
You can also try a Strong and Kind Voice activity.
Invite children to practice saying “Stop, please,” “That's not okay,” or “I'm going to ask an adult for help.”
Encourage them to use a calm, clear voice and confident body language.
Practice together so the words feel more familiar when they're needed.
8. Lights, Camera, Action! — Role-Play
Bring the lesson to life with role-playing!
Use the Powerful You laminated scenario cards or create your own everyday situations.
Invite children to practice what they might do when someone is teasing a classmate, excluding another child, taking belongings without permission, or repeatedly saying something hurtful.
Encourage them to practice speaking up when it's safe, supporting others, and asking a trusted adult for help.
Keep it playful, encouraging, and fun!
Remember: “I STAND up for others and myself.”
